DVDs Choppy After Burn

I am trying to create backups of my DVDs and copy from one DVD to another through the disk utility. When I burn the DVD (at max. possible 8X) the DVD is turning out VERY choppy. The picture will freeze, be extremely pixel-ly, or the sound will be choppy. Any suggestions? Is there a better way to copy DVDs than with the disk utility (that's free!)??

Tip # 1 for burning video DVD's - the same whether on a Mac or Windows or a Linux box - pretty much never use max speed - you're only asking for issues and coasters. 2x to 4x max is recommended - this depending on the burner.

I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth.
In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus.

You may also have a bad drive. My first DVD burner was used, and several years old. Every movie I ever burned with it was exactly as you described (or just didn't work at all). It was also slower at ripping/copying audio CDs. Fortunately, burners aren't that expensive.